Morocco has selected a total of five international consortia that will be tasked with leading six ambitious hydrogen projects in the desert region. These Morocco’s Hydrogen Projects are expected to cost a total of $32 billion. These upcoming hydrogen projects aim to position the North African country as a global leader in sustainable energy, with significant green ammonia industrial fuels and even steel production.
These selected companies come from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and China. These companies are expected to utilize Morocco’s abundant solar and wind sources to drive these ambitious projects.
Also read: The $7bn Morocco Ammonia Project: World’s First Power-to-X Green Ammonia Programme
Morocco’s Hydrogen Projects Factsheet
Morocco has approved green hydrogen projects with an investment value of approximately $32.5 billion (or $32.8 billion depending on the source).
This represents a major financial commitment to the country’s renewable energy and hydrogen sectors.
Objectives:
- The projects aim to produce green ammonia, green steel, and e-fuels.
- A key goal is to position Morocco as a leading supplier of green hydrogen to Europe, aligning with the European Green Deal.
- Morocco intends to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity, targeting 52% of its energy mix by 2030.
- To reduce industrial emissions.
And also previously announced partnerships with TotalEnergies(France) and Engie and OCP.
Land Allocation:
Each project will receive up to 30,000 hectares of land upon signing preliminary agreements.
Strategic Importance:
These projects are crucial for Morocco’s energy transition and its ambitions to become a major player in the global green hydrogen market.
The projects are also designed to boost the Moroccan economy.
“Hydrogen Offer” Programme:
The projects were selected through the “hydrogen offer” programme, which provides land and tax incentives.
The Companies Selected to Lead Mor Projects
Mentioned below are the companies and their allocated roles:
1. ORNX Consortium
The companies in this consortium are Ortus from the USA, Acciona from Spain, and Nordex from Germany.
2. Taqa-Cepsa Alliance
This includes Taqa from UAE and Cepsa from Spain. These companies will focus on green ammonia and industrial fuels.
3. Nareva
Nareva from Morocco will focus on green ammonia, industrial fuels, and green steel.
4. Acwa Power
Acwa Power from Saudi Arabia will also focus on green ammonia.
5. UEG-CTG Alliance
These companies, including UEG and CRG from China, will mainly focus on green ammonia.
These upcoming hydrogen projects align with Morocco’s broader vision, which aims to decarbonize its economy and capitalize on its robust renewable energy potential.
The Moroccan desert regions contain vast expanses and suitable solar and wind power conditions. These energy sources provide an ideal setting for producing large-scale green hydrogen. Green Hydrogen is usually produced using renewable energy to split water into two main elements: hydrogen and oxygen. This is increasingly seen as a viable solution for cutting carbon emissions in heavy industries such as steelmaking.
Also read: Morocco’s 990MW Gas Power Plant Plans Unveiled
Significance of the Projects
Once these hydrogen projects commence operations, they will create thousands of employment opportunities, boost the country’s overall export revenues, and cement Morocco’s role as a global green energy market giant.
Additionally, the production of green ammonia, which is usually a crucial component in manufacturing fertilizer, will significantly reduce the dependence on fossil fuel-based options. This will, therefore, reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
